In this thread I'll attempt to collate all known information about LEAF generation 2. By known I'm talking about information attributed to a named Nissan executive. I'll add speculative information at the bottom.

- Just after March 2017. Infiniti EV comes earlier in 2017.- Will have a greatly increased range. 300 kms (186 miles) mentioned as competitive with FCEV Nissan's domestic rivals are developing. Infiniti EV sedan could have greater range.- Will be a hatchback with conventional looks sporting brand’s new V Motion plunging V-shaped front fascia and the floating roof evoked by blacked-out pillars, as seen in the redesigned Rogue crossover.- Double the range of current Gen Leaf

Thanks for the update. My 2011 has just over 18,000 miles (April 2011). I'm hoping that that by 2017 I will be able to update my battery to the longer range one. All I need is for my LEAF to hang on (with range) until then, and the new battery to be compatible with my 2011.

Automotive News article would have more credibility if they hadn't included the following misleading statement:"The Leaf came to market with an EPA-rated range of 73 miles on a full charge. Its range climbed to 84 miles in the 2014 model year, partly through such tweaks as a more efficient heating system."The reality is there has been very little range increase since 2011. 73 increase to 84 was primarily done through eliminating 80% charge option.With that kind of hyperbole how can you believe any of the rest of the artcle????

SilverLeaf wrote:Thanks for the update. My 2011 has just over 18,000 miles (April 2011). I'm hoping that that by 2017 I will be able to update my battery to the longer range one. All I need is for my LEAF to hang on (with range) until then, and the new battery to be compatible with my 2011.

I suspect a lot of owners like you badly want a longer range in spite of extra cost or lchanged characteristics of the car. I would think that it is technically straightforward to fit a second battery in the boot. If this would upset the control electronics there could be a switch to switch between the batteries. Probably be some bureaucratic obstacles but maybe not.

Automotive News article would have more credibility if they hadn't included the following misleading statement:"The Leaf came to market with an EPA-rated range of 73 miles on a full charge. Its range climbed to 84 miles in the 2014 model year, partly through such tweaks as a more efficient heating system."The reality is there has been very little range increase since 2011. 73 increase to 84 was primarily done through eliminating 80% charge option.With that kind of hyperbole how can you believe any of the rest of the artcle????

You missed a step in there. The 2011 and 2012 were rated at 73. The 2013 would have been rated at 84, but the EPA decided to split the range at 80% (66) with the range at 100% so averaged to 75. The 84 happened in 2014 when the 80% option was eliminated.

So there was some sort of change between 2012 and 2013. Was the improved range just a testing mirage - perhaps a methodology change from the EPA? Somebody here (Tony?) did a constant speed test and found no range change between 2012 and 2013. However, most people who migrated from a 2011/2012 to a later model year report the range does seem longer. We know something about the battery changed - anyone installing a new battery under the replacement program needs a special adapter harness if they have a pre-2013 LEAF. We also know the battery management software changed.

However, you are right in that the comment about the more efficient heating system is irrelevant. Yes, the 2013 and later LEAFs - at least those with SV and SL trims - have the heat pump but that didn't factor into the EPA range calculation.

Automotive News article would have more credibility if they hadn't included the following misleading statement:"The Leaf came to market with an EPA-rated range of 73 miles on a full charge. Its range climbed to 84 miles in the 2014 model year, partly through such tweaks as a more efficient heating system."The reality is there has been very little range increase since 2011. 73 increase to 84 was primarily done through eliminating 80% charge option.With that kind of hyperbole how can you believe any of the rest of the artcle????

You missed a step in there. The 2011 and 2012 were rated at 73. The 2013 would have been rated at 84, but the EPA decided to split the range at 80% (66) with the range at 100% so averaged to 75. The 84 happened in 2014 when the 80% option was eliminated.

So there was some sort of change between 2012 and 2013. Was the improved range just a testing mirage - perhaps a methodology change from the EPA? Somebody here (Tony?) did a constant speed test and found no range change between 2012 and 2013. However, most people who migrated from a 2011/2012 to a later model year report the range does seem longer. We know something about the battery changed - anyone installing a new battery under the replacement program needs a special adapter harness if they have a pre-2013 LEAF. We also know the battery management software changed.

However, you are right in that the comment about the more efficient heating system is irrelevant. Yes, the 2013 and later LEAFs - at least those with SV and SL trims - have the heat pump but that didn't factor into the EPA range calculation.

IIRR, the 2011 was tested using the 2-cycle regime, and the 2013 using the 5-cycle one. IIRC, Nissan claimed that they had made efficiency improvements in regen which boosted its range on the city cycles.

Guy [I have lots of experience designing/selling off-grid AE systems, some using EVs but don't own one. Local trips are by foot, bike and/or rapid transit].

The 'best' is the enemy of 'good enough'.Copper shot, not Silver bullets.

cgaydos wrote:So there was some sort of change between 2012 and 2013. Was the improved range just a testing mirage - perhaps a methodology change from the EPA? Somebody here (Tony?) did a constant speed test and found no range change between 2012 and 2013. However, most people who migrated from a 2011/2012 to a later model year report the range does seem longer. We know something about the battery changed - anyone installing a new battery under the replacement program needs a special adapter harness if they have a pre-2013 LEAF. We also know the battery management software changed.

A big change in the 2013 is much improved regen. That could easily account for the range difference and wouldn't show up in Tony's constant speed test.